capable of causing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of causing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the ability to bring about a particular effect or result. Example: "The new policy is capable of causing significant changes in the workplace environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone is capable of causing harm.

The Guardian

The player most capable of causing havoc is Douglas.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm perfectly capable of causing accidents at regular speeds".

The New York Times

She looks capable of causing a lot of trouble.

The New York Times - Arts

The very question is capable of causing damage".

The New York Times

Derechos are capable of causing widespread damage and landscape devastation.

Britannica

Having beaten Portugal and Serbia in qualifying, Albania are capable of causing an upset.

The Guardian - Sport

"The smaller bombs are not capable of causing that catastrophic attack.

The New York Times

Fish scientists describe white sharks as traumatogenic to humans, meaning capable of causing an injury.

The New Yorker

Young adults are capable of causing both relatively trivial and very serious harm.

Harvard University

Some of these animals are even capable of causing us extreme pain and even death.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of causing", ensure the subject clearly possesses the necessary attributes or conditions to produce the stated effect. For instance, specify the mechanism or conditions under which the effect occurs for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of causing" when the potential effect is highly speculative or lacks supporting evidence. Ensure the claim is substantiated by data, research, or logical reasoning to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of causing" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating its potential to produce a specific effect or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of causing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the potential for something to produce a particular effect. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across a diverse range of contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While suitable for formal and informal settings, its precision lends itself more to contexts requiring clarity and objectivity. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject possesses the necessary attributes to produce the effect and avoid overstating the potential without supporting evidence. Alternatives such as "able to cause" or "has the potential to cause" offer nuanced options for conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to cause

Replaces "capable" with "able", suggesting a straightforward ability to cause something.

has the potential to cause

Emphasizes the possibility of causing something, rather than a definite ability.

likely to cause

Indicates a higher probability of causing something, suggesting a tendency.

prone to causing

Suggests a predisposition or vulnerability to causing something.

apt to cause

Implies a natural tendency or inclination to cause something.

can result in

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of something, rather than the ability to cause it.

may generate

Highlights the creation or production of something as a result.

might trigger

Suggests the initiation or activation of something, often with a sense of immediacy.

could lead to

Indicates a possible pathway or progression towards a specific outcome.

has the effect of

Highlights the direct impact or consequence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of causing" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of causing" to describe something that has the ability to bring about a particular effect or result. For example, "The new policy is "capable of causing" significant changes in the workplace environment."

What are some alternatives to "capable of causing"?

Alternatives include "able to cause", "has the potential to cause", or "likely to cause", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "capable of causing" or "able to cause"?

Both "capable of causing" and "able to cause" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Capable" often implies a higher degree of inherent potential or specific suitability, while "able" is a more general term for having the ability.

What is the difference between "capable of causing" and "likely to cause"?

"Capable of causing" indicates a potential ability, while "likely to cause" suggests a higher probability or tendency for the effect to occur. "Likely" implies that the conditions or factors are already present to increase the chances of the outcome.